Unique Korean Dining Culture: The Hidden Cutlery Drawer

Where are spoons and chopsticks in a Korean restaurant?

When I take foreign friends to a Korean restaurant for the first time, there’s always one moment of confusion: they look around the table, wondering where the chopsticks and spoons are. I smile and reach under the table, opening a small drawer where the utensils are neatly stored. Their reaction is always the same — surprise and fascination!

"Why are the chopsticks hidden under the table? That’s so unique!"

The Hidden Cutlery Drawer: A Korean Tradition

In many traditional Korean restaurants, cutlery and napkins are kept in a small drawer built into the table. It’s a practical way to keep the utensils clean and organized. Instead of bringing utensils with each dish, they are always within reach — just pull open the drawer.

This feature might seem unusual at first, but it makes sense in the context of Korean dining culture, where meals are typically served with multiple side dishes and shared among the table. Having utensils readily available in one spot keeps the table less cluttered.

How to Set Your Table: Napkin and Cutlery Placement

Once you take out the chopsticks and spoon from the drawer, it’s customary to set them up properly. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it the right way:

• Place a Napkin First: Spread a napkin or tissue on the table where you plan to set your utensils. This keeps the cutlery clean and prevents direct contact with the table surface.
• Chopsticks on the Right: Lay the chopsticks on the right side of the napkin.
• Spoon on the Left: Place the spoon on the left side. This placement follows the traditional Korean way, with the spoon positioned closer to your dominant hand if you’re right-handed.

Spoon and chopsticks neatly placed on a white napkin

 

Korean traditional placement of the spoon on the left and chopsticks on the right

Why Do Koreans Place Utensils This Way?

The traditional placement of the spoon on the left and chopsticks on the right follows a basic cultural rule that keeps the eating process neat and orderly. Since most people use chopsticks more frequently for side dishes and the spoon mainly for rice and soup, keeping them separated avoids confusion during the meal.

A Cultural Tip: Serving the Grill Master

At Korean BBQ restaurants, there’s often one person designated as the “grill master,” responsible for cooking the meat. It’s polite to make a wrap (ssam) and hand it to the grill master as a gesture of appreciation while they continue grilling. This small act shows gratitude for their effort in preparing the delicious food.

Final Thoughts

The hidden cutlery drawer is just one of many unique aspects of Korean dining culture. For first-timers, it might seem a bit quirky, but it’s a practical and thoughtful way to keep the table neat and efficient. Next time you visit a Korean restaurant, impress your friends by showing them where the cutlery is hidden!

Have you ever experienced this unique dining feature? Let me know in the comments!